Computing Internet Books

This book covers a lot about Linux and has some great information to help someone study for the Linux+ exam. As others have noticed, I too have found a few typos. The book clearly wants to cover a lot of critical information about Linux and the exam, so certain sections are definitely lighter than others. I have not viewed the included CD yet, so cannot comment on its quality. If someone is looking to learn about Linux and is looking for a study guide for the Linux+ exam, this is a good start. I would caution readers who are also looking to use this book as a Linux reference book.

Robb Tracy does an excellent -- and up-to-date -- job of covering lots of Linux real estate. Whether you're a beginner or someone with experience, this book is worth the money. Between its extensive exercises, lab tests, drills, and self-tests, you will know this subject! Tracy also makes each chapter digestible, i.e., there are no endless chapters that wander. Those who failed their tests did so because they made the rookie mistake of relying on one resource. Jeez, read a second book dudes!

Bought this book because it had a high content (1000+ pgs), practice exams, and a test CD. Halfway through the book and I am already purchasing another Linux+ study guide because this one is flawed. Several practice exam questions do not match the given answers, there are *many* typos, alot of focus on general knowledge and not enough in depth review on probable exam topics per chapter.

I went with this book because it was the latest Linux+ study guide published, however I am going to purchase the Linux+ Study guide from Sybex as I had previously with my A+/Network+/Inet+ exams.

Do not let the large volume of this book fool you, alot of it is composed of basic knowledge which prepares you for the exam content. This book seems to be more orientated to the Beginner level user, one who has never touched Linux. If you are a intermediate-experienced Linux user, this book is not for you. If you are a beginner, I would definitely recommend getting a supplementary study guide to this book.

I've gone through 3 chapters of this book, and will be switching to a different one. There are enough errors both in the text and in the practice questions that I find it hard to trust what I read.

This book is a fairly good introduction to the principles of Linux system administration. Someone with little or no Linux experience should be able to use this book and learn quite a lot on the subject. There are numerous examples, and the practical labs included are good as well.

However, here are two serious caveats:

1. This book did not prepare me adequately for the actual CompTIA Linux+ certification exam. When I took the exam, I found questions on the exam covering concepts that were either not covered in this book, or were covered very briefly. The test is much more detailed and in-depth than this book goes, so I do not recommend that someone taking the Linux+ test rely solely on this book as a study aid for the test.

2. The book is filled with errors. They are mainly typographical errors, but there are a few errors where the author has simply misstated some of the information. I sent a 3-page errata sheet to the publisher. Hopefully they will publish an errata page for this book -- if so, it will be on the following Web page: http://www.mhprofessional.com/?page=/mhp/categories/computing/content/errata.html. You should check the site from time to time to see if they have published an errata sheet for this volume. Absent the errata sheet, keep your eyes open for numerous errors (file names spelled wrong, commands misprinted, etc.), especially in the self-test sections.

Overall, it is a book worth reading to learn about Linux, but due to the errors and due to the fact that it does not adequately meet its stated purpose as a Linux+ certification test prep guide, I gave it only 3 stars.

This book is a great introduction to the topic of SELinux because of the information on its developmental background and lucid description of the objectives, advantages and maintenance of a SELinux system. I would recommend this book to someone who has a firm grasp of basic security concepts and programming principles and is interested in getting exposure to the security enhanced model of Linux.

Really only skimming over the problem, could be more in depth, since most online documentation about SELinux is really skimming over the subject too, or just overly dated.

Selinux is a conscious attempt to fundamentally rework and improve linux security. Previously, or more to the point, in most current linux machines, the security was somewhat of an ad hoc approach. This is mitigated by a formidable array of open source IDS tools like Ethereal and Snort that let a sysadmin often successfully depend her network and machines.

But as the frequency and virulence of malware attacks has increased, the Selinux of this book may be a timely reinforcing of the operating system. As McCarty explains, this book is geared towards a sysadmin, as opposed to a programmer. It discusses the new things you should know. Especially the concepts of role based access model and of domains. The former has shades of DEC's VMS, which had a very mature implementation. Or those of you with mainframe experience may also recognise familiar ideas.

Programmers may find the book a little sparse, as mentioned above. But possibly McCarty is devising a sequel for them.

Personally, I prefer books to focus either concepts or detailed implementation instructions not both. For complex topics like SELinux, you typically cannot fit the conceptual and pragmatic within one book. McCarty's SELINUX is no exception. SELINUX provides an excellent overview of concepts but struggles with policy implementation methods and procedures. I suspect the topic is simply too large for one volume. What implementation advice presented is clear and concise but you will have to search elsewhere for more detailed deployment advice.

Despite these issues, this book is recommended reading for anyone considering implementing SELinux. The conceptual overview is some of the best I've seen since SELinux got its start. Using charts, diagrams and examples, McCarty presents an excellent overview of the nuts and bolts of SELinux. Understanding the principles of Role-Based Access Control, Type Enforcement, and Security Objects is critical to both using SELinux and justifying its use. The latter may be a bigger hurdle than many anticipate. The chapters on these areas will arm you with sufficient understanding to make a clear case of why SELinux can and should be implemented in many Linux-based computing environments.

While there are brief examples throughout, the book's third chapter on SELinux installation presents a well-documented, step-by-step guide to installing SELinux. If you've never installed SELinux, these sections will prove very valuable. With clearly numbered steps and command line examples, you can have SELinux installed and configured with a default policy within an hour.

As a mix between the pragmatic and conceptual, SELINUX is a good start on this topic. Entry level SELinux users will probably not learn too much from this book, but if your are looking for a introduction to SELinux concepts along with some pragmatic advice for getting started, then this book may be for you.

So what makes Selinux more secure than standard Linux? Primarily it is the implementation of role-based access control, sandboxing, and an audit facility that allows the system to log any attempts to exceed specified permissions. It does all this without conflicting with the normal permissions of Linux. If you are able to access a file through normal discretionary access control then the role-based mandatory access control provides additional security to determine if you can run the file or not. The only way to open a file is if both systems agree that you should be able to open it.

The author covers installation, configuration, administering, and setting up a security policy. The presentation of SeLinux is straightforward and the security model is presented in a writing style that makes it clear and understandable to the reader.

SeLinux: NSA's Open Source Security Enhanced Linux is highly recommended as both a Linux security solution and an excellent book on how to utilize all the resources of SeLinux.

This book was very informative and helpful and I would recommend it to others who have handhelds and don't know its full potential. I am not very "follow the directions" literate but the book was easy to follow and step by step for the dummies in all of us!

This book does not offer what I was looking for, namely some in-depth information on the Axim PDA. There is a lengthy chapter devoted to the stupid games you can play on this device. But I was hoping to learn how (if at all possible) you can create a shortcut to rotate the display. Or how to always have Word and Excel start up at a predefined zoom level. Instead the book tells you how to play BallBreaker.

Not a bad book but the Axim is pretty self explanatory without it. It may come in handy if you want to use yours for a GPS or want to add something cool to the CF slot like a camera. Other than that, I probably could have learned just as much surfing the Web for other users.

Without more detailed information about the operating system and its methods, this book is a useless waste of time. I threw it in the trash after 15 minutes.

xim Handheld Second Edition. I thought it was a hardcopy of the Axim X51V manual that dell no longer offers so I ordered it form amazon. Well, this Second Edition was not really a manual but a hard copy of what the Axim X51V can do. It is a very nice book but since the Axim is very new to me I needed a manual of everything I could do with the axim including on how to accurately work the wireless capability. I enjoyed reading this handheld second edition and it did help me a lot in understanding the axim. But, of course it was not a true manual that is very murch needed but not offered anymore by dell because people would loose their manuals and want replacement manuals that are probably expensive to reproduce since the manual would be so large. In closing I do believe as the Dell Axim Handheld Second Edition book goes it is very nice but still it does not in detail train a person in "How to Do Everything" like a Axim X51v manual would do it you could still buy one. Sincerely Yours, Robert J Miguez

If you're looking for an in depth book on AAA and it's associated algorithms, there's no match for this book. Much as I wish I was wrong and that I could replace the book I borrowed from my friend with a cheaper book, I'm afraid I'm about to be forced to shell out the [...] on AAA. And I'm only going to need it as an intermittent reference. There's no math (at least no Greek), but many of the algorithms used to underpin the subject are explained concisely and clearly. It's simply well written and more informative than anything else on the market. I'm a sales engineer and this book was written on the ideal level for me. Technical enough but also abstract enough. Good work sir!

This 'Triple A' set stands for Authentication, Authorization, Accounting, and the theme of this book is maintaining security in a wireless cell-phone network.

Authentication is a three way street. Is the device being used really the correct device to receive the service being requested? And is the network being accessed really the network you want to be on? The third type of authentication is on a message level. Is the message itself legit, or did someone, somehow get in the middle and send a bogus message?

Authorization is rather like the old 'need to know' aspect of security. Is the salesman out in the field that's calling in really authorized to get employee or financial information?

Accounting includes making sure that the client is billed the correct amount of time, but also includes such things as system usage analysis to help define capacity planning.

Each of these subjects is exhaustively treated in this book. Further they are handled with a casual writing style that makes the book more enjoyable to read than most. Well, maybe enjoyable isn't exactly the right word -- how about making it possible to get through it without falling asleep.

As a first step toward achieving the CCNA, the new Cisco certification CCENT tests basics (using Cisco equipment)expected of entry-level technicians entering the networking field. The title of the book states exactly what is: SELF-STUDY GUIDE TO INTERCONNECTING CISCO NETWORK DEVICES, PART 1, ICND1. This is the second edition; no CD was included.

Even though this text is for the new entry-level CCENT exam, I think the candidate should have a solid computer background coming into this. Any self-study text will introduce the topics, but prior knowledge will be necessary to "integrate" this into practice.

The text is up to date and well-organized in a logical forma. It is designed to be read in sequence to build the knowledge base for more advanced topics. It is not designed to be a reference manual, but covers troubleshooting throughout the chapters. It includes LANs, wireless, security, IP addressing, WANs, NAT, and router configurations. The IOS examples are current; sample IOS is helpful for someone using this to study for the test because for the most part each result shown in the example is explained. Graphics are well-done and representative of concepts. Reading level takes into consideration learner capability. Chapter summaries are skimpy. Chapter questions are all multiple-choice. A sample exam at the end would be nice. Understanding, rather than memorizing, should be the result of any self-study material.

Acronyms are "fleeting" for some of us who need reminders of what they stand for and how they pertain to networking tasks. Most of these are spelled out in the Index with references to the pages, but I did notice some are not included. A glossary might be nice; or combine a glossary with the index for quick reference. I would recommend a student create their own glossary to help them study if using this book. The CCENT (ICND1)is for many the very first Cisco test they will take and a foundation in terminology as it applies to networking is essential.

As an instructor for the Cisco Networking Academy at the CCNP level, I am always critical of "Self-Study" materials without simulators--which is the main fault with this book. End of chapter questions are good, but the certification exam has multiple format questions and simulations which are not mentioned in this book. Fill in the blank, click and drag, multiple answer, situational troubleshooting, topologies, and configurations using a simulator are how the test is delivered. The information in this book is complete, but I am not sure it prepares someone for the test.

Can't wait for it to arrive, pre-ordered, and pumped-up, because I fully expect that it will be like all his other books; you know you are learning from a battle tested CCIE, (Steve probably built part of the actual intenet), and he still makes the time to write books on the "first-ever" exams for many people; and yet he does not talk down to you, or dumb it down, this is no book for dummies, apparently based on both the official courseware, and also fully covers all the official exam published objectives, chapter by chapter, or objective by objective, hits it all, the way you want it; and not thin, not "just deep enough" to pass, of course you get that, and much more, you learn every possible command and configuration and definition and idea that you might see on the test, but you also get to see those same ideas drilled to a level actually being used by a ranking CCIE; bottom line, you want to learn, you also really want to pass the test, and you really really want to be able to put it all to work right away, if that is what you want, then BAM, scroll up, and order this book right now! You will be glad you did, I know I am.

My background so you have some idea that I know of the subject I speak on:
- MCSE 2003/2000/NT CNE 6/5/3 CNA 4 (obviously, I've studied for over 20 exams)
- My mother is a retired English professor with 30+ publications to her name (I've been shown manuscripts as well as the review and correction processes).

Current Status: I read this book, credited to Stephen McQuery, in the past four days. I have begun using the Boson NetSim and ExamSim software to prepare for the exam which I plan to take in 1-2 weeks.

Book:
The book repeats itself unnecessarily in several locations. It's almost as if there were different authors with no coordination between authors and no single reviewer to catch the needless redundancy of information.

On occasion (I counted 2-3 instances), the author references an acronym, protocol, or other such important information for the first time, but the writing clearly expects that the reader have prior knowledge of the material. In these cases, the "assumed knowledge" is above entry-level and should have been presented prior to beginning the topic at hand.

Acronyms: sadly, many, such as EIGRP, are missing from the Index. This means that, when you forget what it stands for and the author references it by acronym only, you're at a loss as you don't have an index to tell you where to find information on that acronym. No, the spelled-out version wasn't in the index either.

Glossary: missing; doesn't exist. Readers would have found having a glossary beneficial as a quick reference for terms and acronyms.

From what I've seen of the NetSim and ExamSim, the book itself is missing some of the information you'll want to know for the actual CCENT exam. It's probably best to have some hands-on experience (through Simulators if you don't have access to the real thing).

Review Questions:
I found five errors in the review questions. One such error is so astoundingly obvious, one has to wonder if anyone actually checked the answers. P 478, Chapter 6 Review, Question 6. The posted answer is C, but, per the text on page 429, the correct answer is B.
There are a total of 258 review questions. Perhaps 5 wrong answers out of 258 (2.1% of the total) doesn't seem *that* bad, however, I expect better.

Overall thoughts: this book is a good stepping stone to get you towards CCENT certification. You'll need a little hands-on exposure to shore up the holes in knowledge and working knowledge.

I'll have a better understanding of how much actual exam material was addressed by the book after I take the exam.

Do you have one to three years of internetworking experience, are familiar with basic internetworking concepts, and have basic experience with TCP/IP? If you do, then this book is for you. Author Stephen McQuerry, has done an outstanding job of writing a self-study book for those who are pursuing the CCNA certification.

McQuerry, begins by describing the principles on which basic networks operate. Then, the author explores the operation and configuration of LANs. The author also describes how to extend the boundaries of network connectivity through wireless connectivity. He continues by looking at how a router provides connectivity between the different networks in an internetwork. Then, the author discusses the connectivity required for sites that are across wide geographic areas. Finally, the author discusses how to use Cisco IOS commands to determine the layout of a Cisco network topology.

This most excellent book is intended as a self-study resource that covers the subjects on the 640-822 (ICNDI) exam as well as the ICNDI material of the 640-802 (CCNA) exam. Perhaps more importantly, this book should help you become literate in the use of switches, routers, and the associated protocols and technologies.